John 12:37-50 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:… I. THE GOSPEL REPORT IS TRUE AND DIVINELY MIGHTY. 1. It is true because it is implied that it ought to be believed. What is genuinely believable must be true. 2. It is mighty because called "The arm of the Lord." Redemptive truth is "the power of God unto salvation." II. THOUGH TRUE, ITS TRUTH IS OFTEN UNRELIEVED AND UNFELT. It was so in the days of the prophets, of Christ, of the apostles, and of all subsequent times. "Therefore they could not believe" — not because of the prediction, or of any Divine decree, but because of the state of their minds. As long as men are in the depths of moral corruption they can neither see nor feel Divine things. A malignant nature cannot see love, nor an avaricious generosity and disinterestedness. III. THESE MORAL STATES OF MIND INIMICAL TO FAITH ARE OFTEN INTENSIFIED BY LISTENING TO THE REPORT. "He hath blinded," etc. (Matthew 13:14; Acts 28:26). It is a fact proved by the nature of things, and patent to the observation of all, that the hearer of the gospel who believes not is made more blind and hard by listening. Then as free agents have the power of counteracting the moral tendencies of things, turning blessings into curses and vice versa. The unbeliever is ever doing the former and the believer the latter. IV. THE AWFUL RESULTS OF THE GOSPEL UPON MEN POSSESSING THESE STATES OF MIND ARE ALL FOREKNOWN OF GOD. The prophet was told what would be the fate of his "report." But God's foreknowledge did not render the result necessary, nor interfere with freedom of action, nor lessen guilt. V. ALTHOUGH GOD FOREKNOWS THE TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE GOSPEL ON THE UNBELIEVING HEARER, HE STILL COMMANDS IT TO BE PREACHED. The proclamation of Gospel truth is a good in itself, and a good to the universe, though it may enhance the misery of millions. Though God knows that storms will spread fearful devastation, yet He sends them forth. Man is not the only creature to be served. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:WEB: But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they didn't believe in him, |
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